Final answer:
No, it is not correct to infer that only girls care about their appearances based on 'Same Song.' Societal pressure to maintain a certain look affects both genders, although it often manifests differently for boys and girls.
Step-by-step explanation:
After reading "Same Song," one cannot infer that only girls care about their appearances. Societal expectations and gender socialization affect both boys and girls, although they may experience it differently. Writers and sociologists like Lisa Bloom have discussed how society often focuses on the appearance of young girls, socializing them to prioritize beauty.
However, pressures related to appearance are not limited to girls; boys and men also face expectations regarding how they should look and behave. The ancient poet Ovid's work on cosmetics suggests that concern for physical appearance has been a long-standing issue for women, indicating a historical precedent for societal pressure on women to maintain their appearance. Misogynistic views, such as those presented in Ovid's writings, imply that women's value was largely tied to their attractiveness, and that they should strive for youth and beauty.
Likewise, expectations around charm and popularity, shown in various literary works, demonstrate that concerns over appearance have been shared by both genders, albeit in different ways. For example, pressures on men to find a suitable partner often focus on different aspects of appearance and personality. Therefore, it's reductive to say that only girls care about their appearances, as both genders navigate complex social norms and expectations related to personal appearance and attractiveness.